Truck Driver Fatigue Accidents

Drowsy driving is a problem faced by all motorists. Truck drivers, however, have special circumstances that increase the risk of drowsiness behind the wheel. Truck driver fatigue is such a significant and common issue that federal laws have been passed to help prevent it. Unfortunately, experienced truck accident lawyers in Los Angeles have handled serious truck accidents and deaths each year due to overtired truckers.

Why Is Truck Driver Fatigue So Common?

Many aspects of a career in trucking are conducive to drowsy driving. For this reason, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has regulations in place limiting the number of hours a truck driver can operate a big rig without a rest break.

Factors that enhance the likelihood of truck driver fatigue include:

• Long hours for long-haul truckers. Truck drivers are required to drive for long hours alone, often overnight. The monotony and tediousness of a long drive in the dark can lull a truck driver to sleep while driving – especially if the driver is also suffering from a lack of sleep.

• Broken hours-of-service regulations. Violations of federal hours-of-service (HOS) laws can increase the odds of drowsy truck driving by failing to ensure the truck driver is properly rested. Truckers must log their daily hours and rest breaks to help prevent these infractions.

• Sleep problems. Studies show a large percentage of truck drivers have sleep apnea – a breathing-related disorder that can disrupt sleep and cause chronic fatigue. Sleep issues related to obesity, sleep apnea, trouble sleeping in a sleeper berth, and smoking and alcohol use can increase the odds of truck driver drowsiness.

Truck driver fatigue can be prevented by truckers obeying all relevant federal safety laws and protocols, getting an appropriate amount of rest on and off the job, and recognizing the signs of sleep apnea and getting it treated.

Signs of Trucker Fatigue

As a motorist in California, you may be able to avoid getting into an accident with a tired truck driver by recognizing the signs of fatigue. They can include:

• Swerving or erratic driving
• Unsafe lane changes
• Speeding 
• Driving too slowly
• Sudden braking or acceleration
• Delayed braking
• Red-light running
• Missing traffic signs

A lack of sleep can significantly affect a trucker’s ability to safely and correctly operate a big rig. Stay a safe distance away from an 18-wheeler that appears to be driven by a drowsy driver. If you can, call 911 to report the driver.

Who Is Liable for a Truck Driver Fatigue Accident in California?

Since California is a fault state, the individual or entity at fault for causing a truck accident can be held financially responsible (liable). In a case involving a drowsy truck driver, the individual driver or the trucking company could face liability. As a victim, it is up to you or your truck accident attorney to prove fault using evidence.

When an investigation into a truck accident finds that it was caused by a truck driver being too tired to safely drive, or falling asleep behind the wheel, this can point to trucking company liability. Under federal law, trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for most accidents caused by their drivers. This includes drivers who are classified as independent contractors. For assistance proving liability for a truck driver fatigue accident in Los Angeles, contact Rose, Klein & Marias, LLP for a free consultation with an experienced attorney.